Mala Mala

2013-2016

Drawing on the fundamental nature of jewelry, these works are talismans. They are for protection during hard times and are reflective of the internal feelings of fracture, fragmentation and confusion that accompanies difficult circumstances. Sometimes buttresses appear to help support or to increase strength. The works speak to complications, entanglements and obstacles. Their beauty is in their vulnerability, their refined rawness, the delicate yet brittle edges, crushed solids. Slowly, hints of repair and rebirth appear. Eventually, there is transformation, a blossoming. The talisman itself transforms from protection to celebration.

Mala means long necklace or flower garland in Hindi. Malas also refer to prayer necklaces that are generally comprised of 108 beads. These beads are used to keep track of mantra or prayer repetitions. When repeated, the mantra creates a protective space.

Each one of these malas encircles the wearer, armor for exposed vulnerabilities. We can step inside a ritualized demarcated or healing space, embodying the ritualistic, talismanic and protective power of the mantra.